Lola Dardar
July 27, 2010
Senator Circle residents oppose duplex donation
July 29, 2010Deacon Jim Swiler has been named the new chancellor for the Dioceses of Houma-Thibodaux. He will also serve as a deacon at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.
Bishop Sam G. Jacobs announced the appointment earlier this month.
Swiler has served as a permanent deacon for more than 34 years, and has spent the past 32 years in archdiocesan administration.
He is the first deacon to serve as president of the National Association of Deacon Directors and regional representative for the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.
After serving as a liaison to the military during the Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm, Swiler was named an ambassador by President George H.W. Bush.
Swiler was the first deacon to win the Msgr. William Philbun Award, and in 1993, the National Association of Deacon Directors presented him with the O’Leary Award for his vision and leadership in the restoration of the permanent diaconate.
His work was recognized in 1999 when he received the Pro Eccelesia et Pontifice Award and medal from Pope John Paul II for his outstanding service to the church.
Swiler is married and has four children and seven grandchildren, and his involvement in parish ministry included assignments at St. Joseph in Gretna and Christ the King in Terrytown.
